News of Graphic & Web Design, Logos, Print Design, and Illustration

Now a part of Designers Up North Limited

Adams Graphic Design is now proud to be part of Designers Up North Limited, a collective of some of the best freelancers the North West has to offer. Offering everything from graphic design, to copywriting and PPC services, every skill set is at your fingertips. As we say on teh site "We are not an agency so you can forget about the sales pitch, the high fees, the sharp suits and the schmoozing". Contact us today

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Should your website design include scrolling?

Well, this should get the opinions flying. Working as a website designer, I am well aware of how often this argument crops up. You can probably split internet users 50/50 as to the answer, which may well tell you all you need to know.

Read more
Free Christmas Wallpaper Download

Well it is the season of goodwill after all, and as my present to everyone, I am laying up this festive wallpaper that is free for anyone to download.

Get wallpaper here
New Business? Avoid some simple website design mistakes

Over the years I have come across a few repeating elements when approached by a new business looking for a website design. All can be avoided before a penny changes hands with whoever you commission to produce your website. It will take 5 minutes to read but could be the difference between success and failure for your website.

Find out some mistakes >
A day in the life of Manchester

I'm no expert in film, but the skills and composition of this stunning video by Andy Marshall warrant getting yourself a brew, settling back and taking 5 minutes from your busy life to sit and watch the world go by. With a great soundtrack and the ability to let you breathe again, i recommend this purely as a relaxation tool. For those who love Manchester as a city, it is a must.

Watch movie.
Childrens Vector Illustration - The Owl and the Pussycat

With any sort of illustration, your mind is the limit, so it goes without saying that just about anything can happen when you pick your pencil, paintbrush or mouse. And so it happened exactly that way with this doodle.

View Illustration
Property Advert 'Grunge Surf Style'

Well, it must be summer if I am digging out pictures of surers, grunge techniques and summer vibes. Just a shame the weather here wont comply with my ideas. A funky little full page advert design here for Zenith, a new development of apartments set in Cornwall.

View Surf Style Advert
New Website Launch for Author.

David Rashleigh approached me a brief to create him a simple one page website design that would enable him to introduce himself, and his novels as they are released. Over time the site will evolve and grow to include a blog, the ability to buy his books and details of book signings.

Visit website
Personal Illustration - Yup, no reason at all. Just for fun.

Wow. Well thanks to the Jubilee Weekend break, it seems all my clients have taken the remaining days off meaning I have some time on my hands to just play with my Mac and experiment with all the software I'm normally using to satisfy clients briefs. Here's a fun one I did today using a photograph of a window. Thats all. That and a rusty ladder. Well, it all makes sense now doesnt it!

View Illustration
Poster Design - A fun font, a great image and an idea.

Sometimes, when working as a designer, it is ultimately rewarding to break free of briefs, deadlines, clients personal opinions and any sort of constraint and just cut loose and design something for no reason at all.

View Poster Design
New Book Cover Illustration

Whenever I am approached about doing a book cover illustration, my heart rate increases, the excitement builds and I can't wait to get my teeth into it.

View Book Cover Illustration....
New Log Cabins Website Design with Logo and Stationery

When Lyme Bay Cabins approached me with a 'white sheet' brief, my interest was instantly increased. Personally I love nothing more than a client coming to me with a business plan, but with the confidence to allow a designer free reign to do what he does best. Design. And design we did.

Read more about the design process....
Article Release - February 2012
Mad for it…Manchesters creative juices to flow once more

There’s a new wave of excitement sweeping across Manchester, but with a very ‘old school’ vibe. The reformation of a host of bands from the famed Madchester period is set to re-establish the city as London’s main rival to its claim of being the UK’s artistic epicentre.

Read more about Manchesters Madchester Revisited in 2012....
Article Release - January 2012 - UK Graphic Design Industry becomes increasingly competitive.

An Altrincham based Freelance Graphic Designer has set up a new creative service to help companies requiring business start up design services but feel that in this current economic climate the cost of using established design houses may be detrimental.

Jim Adams, of Adams Graphic Design in Cheshire, has started offering bulk design packages for business start ups - This design service is focused on helping new companies reduce their outlay design costs and offers a comprehensive package that all businesses require.

"Without a doubt many businesses are wary of spending their start-up budget on advertising, websites or promotional material at this time," said Jim. "However, this is detrimental to their chances of success as there is a preconception that great design costs alot whereas I am providing these services at a rate they can afford. My aim is to produce graphic design agency quality creative work for my clients for a fraction of the costs that they expect to pay."

"I have worked in the creative industry for 20 years now, and I have gained a great deal of design experience in what companies both require, and expect, from a marketing perspective. I now have a bank of design and SEO creatives who are not only experts in their field, but offer their services at a substantially lower cost than your average design agency. Whether you require copy writing, SEO website development, Google PPC, brochure or advert design or illustration services, I am now able to give your business access to the design sectors very best talents. Our unique selling point is you now only pay for their services on an hourly freelance basis. This makes your outlay substantially lower than you would ever expect. Website design can start from as little as £199 and bespoke illustrations from only £30. All this combined can give any business start up an online presence that puts you head to head with more established companies spending a vast deal more."

"Design freelancers are now aware that in this current economic climate, budgets are reduced, and many firms fear going to an individual for fear of them getting it wrong, or putting all their eggs in one basket. However, as I know, one graphic designer working solely on your project is infinitely more productive, and often quicker, than an agency where no-one takes personal responsibility for the clients graphic design work. There is a preconception that you need to walk through an established agencies doors to get first class work. Thats wrong, and I know it. You will get a great brochure design, or a fantastic website design, but at a much greater cost. With this service I can introduce you to exactly the right person you need - and at a fraction of the cost of an agency."

Adams Graphic Design offers a comprehensive design service covering website design, logo design and corporate identity, e-marketing strategies and illustration services. Project managed from one direct contact, timescales and costs are kept to a minimum - priority number one in this current global economic climate.

"Its time to shake things up a bit," added Jim. "The current design sector is too reliant on an in-competitive playing field to offer potential clients the best deal for them.Its time to invest in the businesses and clients you work for, stop taking constant work for granted and give these firms the personal designer they commission.

"I currently work with a myriad of designers and creative professionals across the UK who never fail to impress me with their skills and the clients I work for with their creations."
The Evolution of the logo.

Taken from Smashing Magazine, this is a great breakdown of logos, from where, why, what and who? We live in a Brand Era and this article is well worth a read.

Have a browse and see what you think. The Evolution of the Logo.
Press Release - January 20th 2012 - UK Graphic Design Industry becomes increasingly competitive.

The world of graphic and website design in Manchester is becoming increasingly competitive as customers consistently look for better rates when paying for advertising.

With rising premiums and the cost of living sending costs skywards, businesses are seen to need more for their money. While the waters are muddied slightly by the worrying economic trends in Europe – it perhaps makes it even more important for Designers and Creatives to offer more of their skills when pitching for design work.

“It’s clear to many people that times have changed and businesses which don’t possess an online web presence are becoming increasingly rare,” said a spokesperson for Adams Graphic Design, which offers graphic design to small and medium sized businesses throughout the UK. “As each week passes, those that are still hedging their bets with the idea of building or revamping their company website are seeing their overall market share fall. By acting now, and learning from the mistakes of others there’s still a real chance to increase, build, and expand your brand.”

“The last thing any business in this climate can afford to do is let the gap widen between themselves and their competitors who push their website through a mix of e-marketing, traditional print advertising, and social media. The priority for everyone in business is to showcase their services to the maximum amount of people, and without a successful website design you are lacking against many competitors.”

An Adams Graphic Design spokesman said “Simplifying the entire process is paramount, meaning companies are free to continue building their business at the frontline, doing what they do best. A flexible approach means graphic designers can tailor design needs to firms of all sizes and specialities. This type of service builds results, and can often be obtained with a minimum of fuss, leaving companies glad to have gone to the trouble of making that decision to press on with their marketing in difficult times”.

Specialising in Logo Design, Print Design, Website Design and Illustration, Adams Graphic Design are one of Cheshire and Manchesters fastest growing freelance design houses, able to offer additional skill sets and services that previously were unavailable from a single source. “It pays to offer many additional skills to businesses, as clients become less keen to get their graphic design work created by one designer, and then source their SEO or digital marketing from another separate company.

It’s simpler and more effective to offer it all under one roof, and frequently include basic on-site SEO on every website, giving it every opportunity to start from the best footing.” “We discovered through market research that businesses were far more likely to implement any graphic design if SEO, Logo Design or E-marketing was included in the costs of a larger job, say Brochure Design. Website Design in Cheshire and Manchester is far more competitive than many areas in the UK, and it pays to offer businesses the very best return on their investment. After all, the best advertising any design house can have is successful businesses growing and succeeding from their expertise.”
New Dynamo Design Website Launched.

When commissioned to re-design the Dynamo Website, the brief stipulated that the portfolio aspect should not be cumbersome and involve lots of scrolling down to view all the projects completed. I implemented a jQuery slider that makes it easy to add or remove slides. The site also required lots of my illustration skills, from creating the backgrounds, to the frames and indeed the animations embedded on the site

For a closer look, click here to view the new Dynamo Design website.
Trees by Design - A unique Website for a unique business.

Trees by Design required a heavily artworked site to showcase their wedding event business and Tree Dressing services. Working mainly in Photoshop montages were created that suggests at their products. The reaon for this? Celebrity clients, high movers and Blue Chip companies all insist on confidentiality, so no images are taken or allowed to be used.

Have a browse and see what you think. View Trees by Design website.
Property Marketing for Estate Agents.

In addition to working on Property Brochures and adverts with Jackson-Stops and Staff, I am now pleased to announce that I am actively working with a NationalEstate Agents in the production of their property adverts. I look forward to a long and productive relationship.

For further examples of my work with the property sector please view our Estate Agents and Property Advert Portfolio.
Press Release - January 6th 2012.

January 6, 2012 -- A freelance Graphic Designer in Cheshire has come to the aid of Property Developers and Estate Agents requiring property design services, but feel that in the current climate the cost of marketing and advertising is a risky, and possibly avoidable, prospect.

Jim Adams of Adams Graphic Design currently works for many leading estate agents and new homes developers but feels the time has come for a more adaptable approach to providing quality design for this struggling sector.

“In my experience many in the property sector are becoming increasingly watchful of their budgets that they spend on advertising, brochures, websites or marketing materials,” said Jim. “It goes without saying that second hand and new homes certainly aren’t selling at the rate they were in the boom years which is mainly attributed to first-time buyers finding it harder to secure the necessary finances for a mortgage,” said Jim. “However in my experience I can see that companies are more often than not looking for cheaper alternatives to promoting their services or properties - and this is detrimental to their brand, their appearance in the marketplace and more importantly, their sales.”

Adams Graphic Design, based in Cheshire, offers a full-service offering property brochure design, property websites, logos, floor plans, e-marketing and a whole host of other design services. With all this design produced under the same roof, deadlines are reduced and marketing costs kept to a bare minimum - the fundamental target in the current economic climate. “Creative design for property is a skill many of us have learnt over many years,” added Jim. “Developers and agents are now discovering any designer or agency will just not cut it – the property market is too competitive to expect a designer with no specialist knowledge to achieve the results previously returned by a Property Marketing Expert.” “I’m proud to say I now have a large black book of creative experts in their field. Whether it is Illustrators, CGi production, copywriting, website development, designing websites for the property sector, brochure production or SEO, I can now give your business direct access to the design community’s top talents - and ideally for your budget - on a freelance basis”

For more information on Manchester Graphic Design Services available and how it can help your business, contact Jim on 0161 929 8881, jim@adamsgraphicdesign.co.uk or visit http://www.adamsgraphicdesign.co.uk

Graphic Design News, Freebies and Updates

Whether its a website release, a new illustration or just something interesting ive found and want to share, this page will showcase it.
Living in a creative hub such as Manchester, stumbling upon something of interest is not hard. Graphic Design in Manchester is buszzing with great designers, stunning artwork and some really superb design. As an illustrator, website designer, print designer and all round general design geek, i love reading and sharing anything that falls within its boundaries

First up, take a look at Pixeden, a great free resource for designers that offers royalty free graphic elements for use in both personal and commercial projects. Its unbeatable and well worth a look through. Sometimes a deadline is just coming at you too fast to sit back and draw that bespoke button, a sexy form or a headline graphic that you need.

Adams Graphic Design in Altrincham, Greater Manchester.

Now based in Altrincham, South Manchester, I have over 12 years experience in the creative industry. I offer a range of creative services from website design, and print design to illustration. So if you are looking for a logo design, business cards, a new brochure design, a website or traditional or vector based illustration please get in touch and let me show you what I can do to help your business.

Quick Links

Contact Us Today

James Adams
10 Stockport Road
Altrincham
WA15 8ET
T: 0161 929 8881
E: studio@thegraphicquarter.com

Well, this should get the opinions flying. Working as a website designer, I am well aware of how often this argument crops up. You can probably split internet users 50/50 as to the answer, which may well tell you all you need to know.

Well it is the season of goodwill after all, and as my present to everyone, I am laying up this festive wallpaper that is free for anyone to download.

With any sort of illustration, your mind is the limit, so it goes without saying that just about anything can happen when you pick your pencil, paintbrush or mouse. And so it happened exactly that way with this doodle.

Well, it must be summer if I am digging out pictures of surers, grunge techniques and summer vibes. Just a shame the weather here wont comply with my ideas. A funky little full page advert design here for Zenith, a new development of apartments set in Cornwall.

David Rashleigh approached me a brief to create him a simple one page website design that would enable him to introduce himself, and his novels as they are released. Over time the site will evolve and grow to include a blog, the ability to buy his books and details of book signings.

Sometimes, when working as a designer, it is ultimately rewarding to break free of briefs, deadlines, clients personal opinions and any sort of constraint and just cut loose and design something for no reason at all.

Whenever I am approached about doing a book cover illustration, my heart rate increases, the excitement builds and I can't wait to get my teeth into it.

When Lyme Bay Cabins approached me with a 'white sheet' brief, my interest was instantly increased. Personally I love nothing more than a client coming to me with a business plan, but with the confidence to allow a designer free reign to do what he does best. Design. And design we did.

There’s a new wave of excitement sweeping across Manchester, but with a very ‘old school’ vibe. The reformation of a host of bands from the famed Madchester period is set to re-establish the city as London’s main rival to its claim of being the UK’s artistic epicentre.

Article Release - January 2012 - UK Graphic Design Industry becomes increasingly competitive.

An Altrincham based Freelance Graphic Designer has set up a new creative service to help companies requiring business start up design services but feel that in this current economic climate the cost of using established design houses may be detrimental.

Jim Adams, of Adams Graphic Design in Cheshire, has started offering bulk design packages for business start ups - This design service is focused on helping new companies reduce their outlay design costs and offers a comprehensive package that all businesses require.

"I currently work with a myriad of designers and creative professionals across the UK who never fail to impress me with their skills and the clients I work for with their creations."

The Evolution of the logo.

Taken from Smashing Magazine, this is a great breakdown of logos, from where, why, what and who? We live in a Brand Era and this article is well worth a read. Have a browse and see what you think. The Evolution of the Logo.

Press Release - January 20th 2012 - UK Graphic Design Industry becomes increasingly competitive.

New Dynamo Design Website Launched.

Trees by Design - A unique Website for a unique business.

Property Marketing for Estate Agents.

Press Release - January 6th 2012.

Graphic Design News, Freebies and Updates

Adams Graphic Design in Altrincham, Greater Manchester.

Quick Links

Contact Us Today

Taken from Smashing Magazine, this is a great breakdown of logos, from where, why, what and who? We live in a Brand Era and this article is well worth a read.

Have a browse and see what you think. The Evolution of the Logo.